GB2576155A - Obstacle detection systems - Google Patents

Obstacle detection systems Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2576155A
GB2576155A GB1812747.2A GB201812747A GB2576155A GB 2576155 A GB2576155 A GB 2576155A GB 201812747 A GB201812747 A GB 201812747A GB 2576155 A GB2576155 A GB 2576155A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vehicle
obstacle detection
mirror
detection system
around
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1812747.2A
Other versions
GB201812747D0 (en
Inventor
John Murray Andy
Moffatt Benjamin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ford Global Technologies LLC
Original Assignee
Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ford Global Technologies LLC filed Critical Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority to GB1812747.2A priority Critical patent/GB2576155A/en
Publication of GB201812747D0 publication Critical patent/GB201812747D0/en
Publication of GB2576155A publication Critical patent/GB2576155A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
    • B60R1/1207—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks with lamps; with turn indicators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
    • B60Q1/2665—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on rear-view mirrors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/48—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for parking purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/20—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for lighting specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments; mounted on specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments
    • B60Q3/258—Rear-view mirrors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
    • B60Q9/002—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle
    • B60Q9/004—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle using wave sensors
    • B60Q9/006—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle using wave sensors using a distance sensor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
    • B60Q9/002—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle
    • B60Q9/007—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle providing information about the distance to an obstacle, e.g. varying sound
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
    • B60Q9/008—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for anti-collision purposes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
    • G06V10/00—Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding
    • G06V10/10—Image acquisition
    • G06V10/12—Details of acquisition arrangements; Constructional details thereof
    • G06V10/14—Optical characteristics of the device performing the acquisition or on the illumination arrangements
    • G06V10/143—Sensing or illuminating at different wavelengths
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
    • G06V20/00—Scenes; Scene-specific elements
    • G06V20/50—Context or environment of the image
    • G06V20/56—Context or environment of the image exterior to a vehicle by using sensors mounted on the vehicle
    • G06V20/58—Recognition of moving objects or obstacles, e.g. vehicles or pedestrians; Recognition of traffic objects, e.g. traffic signs, traffic lights or roads
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
    • G06V20/00—Scenes; Scene-specific elements
    • G06V20/50—Context or environment of the image
    • G06V20/59—Context or environment of the image inside of a vehicle, e.g. relating to seat occupancy, driver state or inner lighting conditions
    • G06V20/597—Recognising the driver's state or behaviour, e.g. attention or drowsiness

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

An obstacle detection system for a vehicle comprises: a plurality of proximity sensors (110; figure 1) arranged at a plurality of positions around the vehicle; a rear view mirror assembly 200 comprising a mirror 204 with a plurality of lightable display elements 210 arranged at positions that correspond to the positions of the proximity sensors around the vehicle; and a controller that receives signals from the sensors and illuminates the corresponding light. The lights 210 may be positioned around the periphery of the mirror, as part of the mirror 204 or the housing 202, and may be transparent when not illuminated. The mirror may be an exterior mirror (e.g. a side mirror 150; fig. 1). The system may include multiple mirrors (140, 150; figure 1) and also an interior display screen 120 on the vehicle trim. There may also be a sensor (e.g. a camera 510; fig. 5) to determine whether the driver is looking at the rear view mirror. Also claimed is a vehicle including the system.

Description

Obstacle detection systems
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to obstacle detection systems and is particularly, although not exclusive, concerned with obstacle detection systems with improved driver visibility during manoeuvres.
Background
Modern vehicles often comprise obstacle detection systems that operate when the vehicle is manoeuvring at low speed to provide a driver of the vehicle with a visual indication of the positions of obstacles around the front and rear of the vehicle.
The obstacle detection system typically comprises one or more proximity sensors arranged at the front and rear of the vehicle and a display screen provided on a dashboard or centre console of the vehicle to display the positions of obstacles detected by the proximity sensors.
When manoeuvring the vehicle, the driver may look to the display screen on the dashboard in order to identify the positions of obstacles in areas around the vehicle, particularly obstacles that are within the driver’s blind spots or are otherwise not visible to the driver from their normal driving position.
Statements of Invention
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an obstacle detection system for a vehicle, the system comprising:
a plurality of proximity sensors arranged at a plurality of positions around the vehicle;
a rear view mirror assembly comprising a display portion, wherein the display portion comprises a plurality of lightable display elements, wherein the lightable display elements are arranged at positions around the display portion that correspond to the positions of the proximity sensors around the vehicle, e.g. the positions around the vehicle in which the proximity sensors are configured to detect obstacles; and a controller configured to receive signals from the proximity sensors and control the illumination of the lightable display elements according to the signal received from the proximity sensor or sensors at the position around the vehicle corresponding to the position of the lightable display element on the display portion.
The proximity sensors may be arranged to detect obstacles substantially around the periphery or perimeter of the vehicle, e.g. around substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the vehicle. For example the proximity sensors may be arranged to detect obstacles within one or more areas, e.g. arcs, extending through an angle of approximately 360 degrees around the vehicle.
The rear view mirror assembly may comprise a housing and a mirror mounted in the housing. The display portion may comprise a portion of the mirror. Additionally or alternatively, the display portion may comprise a portion of the housing.
The lightable display elements may be arranged around the periphery or perimeter of the display portion. The size and/or shape of the display portion may be approximately equal to the size and/or shape of a reflective surface of the mirror. In other words, the display portion may extend over substantially the complete area of the reflective surface of the mirror. The lightable display elements may be arranged around the periphery of the reflective surface. The lightable display elements may be provided on an outer surface of the mirror, e.g. on the reflective surface, in the display portion. The lightable display elements may be substantially transparent when unilluminated. Alternatively, the areas of the mirror in which the lightable display elements are provided may be substantially non-reflective, e.g. compared to the areas in which the reflective surface is not covered by the lightable display elements.
The rear view mirror may be an exterior rear view mirror, such as a wing mirror or door mounted rear view mirror, or an interior rear view mirror.
The obstacle detection system may further comprise one or more sensors, such as cameras, configured to determine whether the driver is looking at the rear view mirror. The sensors may be configured to determine a direction in which the driver is looking, e.g. a line of sight of the driver. The controller may be configured to control the illumination of the lightable display elements of the rear view mirror when the driver is looking at the rear view mirror. When the object detection system comprises more than one rear view mirror, the controller may be configured to control the illumination of the lightable display elements of the rear view mirror that the driver is looking at.
The system may further comprise one or more further rear view mirrors comprising a further mirror having a further display portion, wherein the further display portion comprises a plurality of lightable display elements. The lightable display elements may be arranged at positions around the further display portion that correspond to the positions of the proximity sensors around the vehicle. The controller may be configured to control the illumination of each of the lightable display elements of the further rear view mirrors according to the signal received from the proximity sensor at the position around the vehicle corresponding to the position of the lightable display element on the display portion.
The one or more sensors may be configured to determine whether the driver is looking at any of the further rear view mirror. The controller may be configured to control the illumination of the lightable display elements of a particular one of the further rear view mirrors when the driver is looking at the particular further rear view mirror.
The obstacle detection system may further comprise an interior display provided on an interior trim portion of the vehicle. The controller may be configured to control an image displayed on the interior display to indicate the positions of obstacles detected by the proximity sensors around the vehicle.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an obstacle detection system for a vehicle, the system comprising:
a plurality of proximity sensors provided on the vehicle, wherein the proximity sensors are arranged to detect obstacles substantially around the periphery or perimeter of the vehicle, e.g. around substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the vehicle, for example, the proximity sensors may be arranged within, e.g. to detect obstacles within one or more areas, e.g. arcs, extending through or covering an angle of approximately 360 degrees around the vehicle;
a rear view mirror assembly comprising a mirror having a display portion, wherein the display portion comprises a plurality of lightable display elements; and a controller configured to receive signals from the proximity sensors and control the illumination of the lightable elements in order to indicate a position of an obstacle within the arcs around the vehicle.
The lightable display elements may be arranged at positions around the display portion that correspond to the positions of the proximity sensors around the vehicle. The controller may be configured to receive signals from the proximity sensors and control the illumination of the lightable display elements according to the signal received from the proximity sensor or sensors at the position around the vehicle corresponding to the position of the lightable display element on the display portion
A motor vehicle may comprise the above-mentioned obstacle detection system.
To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. For example, features described in relation to the first aspect may be combined with the features described in relation to the second aspect.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle comprising an obstacle detection system according to arrangements of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 is a schematic view of a rear view mirror for the obstacle detection system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic view of another rear view mirror for the obstacle detection system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of another rear view mirror for the obstacle detection system shown in Figure 1; and
Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle comprising an obstacle detection system according to another arrangement of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
With reference to Figure 1, a vehicle 2, such as a motor vehicle, comprises a body 4 which defines an interior 6 of the vehicle. A plurality of interior trim portions, such as a dashboard 8 and a centre console 10 are provided within the interior 6 of the vehicle. The vehicle 2 further comprises an obstacle detection system 100 according to arrangements of the present disclosure.
The obstacle detection system 100 comprises a plurality of proximity sensors 110. The proximity sensors 110 may be coupled to the body 4 of the vehicle and positioned around the vehicle, e.g. around the periphery of the vehicle, so as to detect the positions of obstacles around the vehicle.
The proximity sensors 110 may comprise any desirable sensors capable of detecting the position of the obstacle spaced apart from the vehicle within a range of the sensor. For example, the proximity sensors may comprise electromagnetic distance sensors, ultrasonic distance sensors, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors or a camera, e.g. a 3D camera. It will be appreciated that the range of the proximity sensors will depend on the type of sensors employed.
The proximity sensors 110 may be arranged substantially around the periphery, e.g. the full periphery, of the vehicle 2, e.g. in order to detect obstacles around substantially the full periphery around the vehicle 2. The proximity sensors may be arranged to detect obstacles within one or more areas, e.g. arcs, extending around the vehicle. The area may extended, e.g. cumulatively extend, through an angle of approximately 360 degrees or more around the vehicle. In other words, the proximity sensors 110 may be arranged so as to detect an obstacle around the vehicle at any angle around the vehicle, e.g. relative to a forwards direction of the vehicle. The arcs may extend outwardly from the vehicle according to the range of the proximity sensors 110.
As depicted in Figure 1, a first group of proximity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f may be arranged around a front of the vehicle, e.g. forwards of a longitudinal centre of the vehicle. The first group of proximity sensors may be configured to detect obstacles in proximity to the front of the vehicle, e.g. spaced apart from the front of the vehicle, in forwards and/or sideways directions of the vehicle by a distance less than or equal to the range of the proximity sensors.
As depicted, the first group of proximity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f may comprise four proximity sensors, e.g. first, second, third and fourth proximity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, arranged on a front surface 4a of the body 4, e.g. on or within a front bumper. The first, second, third and fourth proximity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d may face in a substantially forwards direction of the vehicle 2.
The first group of proximity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f may further comprise a fifth proximity sensor 112e provided on a first side surface 4b of the vehicle body 4. As depicted, the fifth proximity sensor is arranged towards the front of the vehicle, e.g. closer to the front of the vehicle than the longitudinal centre of the vehicle. For example, the fifth proximity sensor 112e may be aligned with a front wheel of the vehicle, e.g. in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, or positioned forwards of the front wheel. Alternatively, the fifth proximity sensor 112e may be positioned at any other desirable position on the first side surface 4b of the vehicle. The fifth proximity sensor 112e may face in a sideways direction of the vehicle, e.g. away from the first side surface 4b.
A sixth proximity sensor 112f of the first group of proximity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f may also be arranged towards the front of the vehicle. The sixth proximity sensor 112f may be arranged on an opposite side of the vehicle to the fifth proximity sensor 112e, e.g. on a second side surface 4c of the body. The sixth proximity sensor 112f may be aligned with the fifth proximity sensor in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The sixth proximity sensor 112f may face in an opposite sideways direction of the vehicle to the fifth proximity sensor 112e, e.g. away from the second side surface 4c.
As depicted, the first group of proximity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f may be configured to detect obstacles within a first arc Ai extending through an angle of 180 degrees or more around the front of the vehicle 2.
In other arrangements, a different number of proximity sensors may be provided at or towards the front of the vehicle. For example, the second and third proximity sensors
112b, 112c may be omitted. Alternatively, more than four proximity sensors may be provided on the front surface 4a of the vehicle body. In some arrangements, more proximity sensors may be provided on the first and second side surfaces 4b, 4c of the vehicle body 4, towards the front of the vehicle. For example, one or more additional proximity sensors may be provided on the side surfaces 4b, 4c of the body 4, e.g. rearwards of the fifth and sixth proximity sensors 112e, 112f.
A second group of proximity sensors 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, 114e, 114f may be arranged to detect objects in proximity to the rear of the vehicle, e.g. rearwards of a centre of the vehicle. The second group of proximity sensors 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, 114e, 114f may be arranged on a rear surface 4d and on the first and second side surfaces 4b, 4c of the vehicle body 4 in a similar arrangement to the first group of proximity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112fatthe front of the vehicle 2. For example, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth proximity sensors 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d may be arranged on the rear surface 4d, e.g. on or within a rear bumper, of the vehicle facing substantially rearwards, and eleventh and twelfth proximity sensors 114e, 114f may be provided on the first and second side surfaces 4b, 4c of the vehicle respectively, facing in opposite sideward directions, e.g. away from the respective first and second side surfaces 4b, 4c.
The second group of proximity sensors 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, 114e, 114f may thereby be configured to detect obstacles within a second arc A2 extending through an angle of 180 degrees or more around the rear of the vehicle 2. The first and second arcs A1, A2 together, e.g. cumulatively, extend through, an angle of approximately 360 degrees or more around the vehicle. In other words, the first and second groups of proximity sensors are configured to cover an angle of approximately 360 degrees around the vehicle 2. The first and second groups of proximity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f, 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, 114e, 114f may thereby together be arranged to detect obstacles at substantially any angle around the vehicle 2.
The obstacle detection system further comprises an interior display screen 120 and a controller 130. The interior display screen 120 may be provided within the interior 6 of the vehicle. The interior display screen 120 may be mounted on or integrally formed with an interior trim portion of vehicle, such as the dashboard 8 or centre console 10 of the vehicle 2.
The controller 130 may be provided as part of another system of the vehicle. For example, the controller 130 may be an engine control unit, a powertrain control unit, a body control unit or any other control unit of the vehicle 2. Alternatively, the controller 130 may be a dedicated controller of the obstacle detection system 100.
The controller 130 is configured to receive obstacle information from each of the proximity sensors 110 and control the image displayed by the interior display screen 120 to display the obstacle information, e.g. indicating the positions of obstacles around the vehicle.
The obstacle detection system 100 further comprises one or more mirrors, e.g. rear view mirrors, such as an interior rear view mirror 140 and exterior rear view mirrors 150, e.g. wing mirrors or door mounted rear view mirrors. When the driver is manoeuvring the vehicle 2, the driver may look into one or more of the rear view mirrors in order to view obstacles or road markings behind them and steer the vehicle appropriately. In order to provide the driver with a desirable view, the rear view mirrors are located towards the ceiling of the vehicle interior 6 or mounted on the first and second side surfaces 4b, 4c of the vehicle body 4, e.g. on the wings of the vehicle 2. Hence, if the driver wishes to view the obstacle information displayed on the interior display screen 120 whilst using a particular rear view mirror to assist them in steering the vehicle, the driver must shift the focus of their attention significantly and may need to turn their head away from the particular rear view mirror.
The obstacle detection system 100 is therefore configured such that the obstacle information can be displayed on one or more of the rear view mirrors, so that the driver does not need to look away from the rear view mirrors in order to view the obstacle information.
With reference to Figure 2, a rear view mirror assembly 200 for the obstacle detection system 100 will now be described. The rear view mirror assembly 200 comprises a housing 202 and a mirror 204 mounted in the housing 202. An outer surface 204a of the mirror, e.g. relative to the housing, is visible to the driver when the driver is positioned in a normal driving position. The mirror 204 comprises a reflective surface 206 allowing the driver to see a reflected, rearward view in the mirror 204 when looking at or through the outer surface 204a of the mirror.
A display portion 208 of the mirror 204 comprises a plurality of display elements 210, which can be selectively illuminated. The display elements 210 may comprise light emitting diodes or other electrical devices configured to emit light when an electric current is supplied to them. The display elements 210 may be visible to the driver of the vehicle when illuminated. In some arrangements, the display elements 210 may be substantially transparent when not illuminated. For example, the display elements 210 may comprise a thin film circuit.
The display elements 210 may be provided on the outer surface 204a of the mirror 204. If the display elements are provided over the reflective surface, areas of the mirror in which the lightable display elements are provided may be substantially non-reflective, e.g. compared to the areas in which the reflective surface is not covered by the lightable display elements.
Alternatively, the display elements 210 may be mounted below, e.g. inwardly of, the outer surface 204a of the mirror 204, and the mirror 204 may be configured, such that the display elements 210 are visible to the driver when illuminated. In some arrangements, the reflective surface 206 of the mirror 204 may not be provided in the areas of the mirror 204 in which the display elements 210 are provided.
As depicted, the display elements 210 may be arranged around the display portion 208 of the mirror, e.g. around the perimeter of the display portion 208. The display elements 210, e.g. edges of the display elements, may be coincident with the periphery, e.g. edge, of the display portion or may be offset from the edge of the display portion.
The display elements 210 may be arranged substantially around the complete perimeter of the display portion 208. In some arrangements, gaps may be present between the display elements, e.g. around the perimeter of the display portion. A dimension of the gaps between the display elements may be small, e.g. the dimension of the gaps around the perimeter of the display portion may be less than a dimension of the display elements around the perimeter of the display portion 208.
The display elements 210 may be arranged around the display portion 208 at positions that substantially correspond to the positions of the proximity sensors 110 around the vehicle 2, e.g. around the periphery of the vehicle.
As depicted in Figure 2, the display elements 210 may be arranged around the display portion 208 at positions corresponding to the positions of the proximity sensors 110 around the vehicle 2 from the perspective of the driver. In particular, the display elements 210 provided on a right side of the display portion 208 may be considered to correspond to proximity sensors 110 provided on a right side of the vehicle, e.g. the first side surface 4b, and display elements 210 provided on a left side of the display portion 208 may be considered to correspond to proximity sensors 110 provided on a left side of the vehicle 2, e.g. on the second side surface 4c. Hence, display elements 210 provided at a top of the display portion 208 may be considered to correspond to proximity sensors 110 provided on a front surface 4a of the vehicle 2 and display elements 210 provided at a bottom of the display portion 208 may be considered to correspond to proximity sensors 110 provided on a rear surface 4d of the vehicle 2.
In some arrangements, one, more than one or each of the display elements 210 may be arranged in positions corresponding to the positons of more than one of the proximity sensors 110. Furthermore, one, more than one or each of the display elements 210 may be arranged in positions corresponding to the position of the same proximity sensor as one or more of the other display elements 210.
For example, as depicted in Figure 2, a first display element 210a is arranged in a position relative to the display portion 208 corresponding to the position of the second and third proximity sensors 112b, 112c relative to the vehicle 2; a second display element 210b is arranged in a position relative to the display portion 208 corresponding to the position of the first and sixth proximity sensors 112a, 112f relative to the vehicle; and a third display element 210c is arranged in a position relative to the display portion 208 corresponding to the position of the fifth proximity sensor 112f relative to the vehicle 2.
The controller 130 may be operatively coupled to the display elements 210 and may be configured to control the illumination of each of the display elements 210 according to the obstacle information received from the proximity sensors 110 arranged around the vehicle.
The controller 130 may control the illumination of each display elements 210 according to the obstacle information received from the proximity sensor or sensors arranged in the position or positions around the vehicle body 4 which correspond to the position of the particular display element around the display portion 208. For example, if the obstacle information received from a particular proximity sensor indicates the presence of an obstacle, the display element arranged in a corresponding position around the display portion 208 may be illuminated.
In some arrangements, when two or more of the display elements are arranged in positions corresponding to the position of the same proximity sensors, the controller 130 may determine which of the display elements should be illuminated based on the obstacle information received from the proximity sensors, e.g. according to the position of the detected object. Alternatively, the controller 130 may illuminate each of the display elements in positions corresponding to the position of the proximity sensor.
In this way, the display elements 210 may be illuminated such that illumination of the display elements 210 at a particular positon around the display portion 208 indicates the presence of an obstacle at a corresponding positon around the vehicle 2. As described above, the display elements 210 may be arranged around substantially the complete perimeter of the display portion 208, and hence, the display elements 210 may be configured to indicate the presence of an obstacle at substantially any position, or angle, around the vehicle 2.
The controller 130 may be configured to control the illumination of the display elements 210 based on a distance between the vehicle body 4 and the obstacle. For example, the controller 130 may control the brightness and/or colour of the display elements 210 based on the distance. In some arrangements, two or more rows of display elements 210 may be provided around the perimeter of the display portion, with each one of the rows being arranged inside of the other, e.g. relative to the perimeter of the display portion 208. The controller 130 may illuminate the display elements in different rows depending on the distance from the vehicle to the obstacle. For example, when the obstacle is closer to the vehicle, the controller may illuminate a display element in a row closer to the centre of the display portion 208.
Alternatively, in some arrangements, the controller 130 may be configured to switch on or off the illumination of the display elements 210 depending on whether an obstacle is within a predetermined threshold distance from the vehicle 2, e.g. form the body 4, or outside of the predetermined threshold distance.
The obstacle detection system 100 may be further configured to produce an audible warning when an obstacle is detected. The audible warning may be produced when the obstacle is detected within the predetermined threshold distance from the vehicle 2. In some arrangements, the audible warning may be repeated with a frequency corresponding to the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle. For example, when the object is closer, the frequency may be higher. The audible warning may become a solid, e.g. continuous, tone when the obstacle is within the predetermined threshold distance or another predetermined threshold distance. When the display portion comprises two or more rows of display elements, the inner most row of display elements may be illuminated when the obstacle is within the predetermined threshold distance.
As shown in Figure 2, the display portion 208 may be sized to extend over between a quarter and a half of the area of the mirror 204, e.g. of the reflective surface 206. However, as shown in Figure 3, in other arrangements, the display portion 208 may be substantially the same size and shape of the reflective surface 206 of the mirror 204. As depicted in Figure 3, in such arrangements the display elements 210 may be arranged substantially around the perimeter of the reflective surface 206. For example, display portion or the display elements may be offset, e.g. towards the centre of the mirror by a small distance, e.g. less than a width of the display elements 210, from the perimeter of the reflective surface.
In the arrangements shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rear view mirror assembly 200 comprises a single mirror 204, however in other arrangements, the rear view mirror assembly may comprise more than one mirror. For example, the rear view mirror assembly 200 may comprise two mirrors, e.g. a flat planar mirror and a curved, concave or convex mirror. In such arrangements, the display portion may be a portion of one of the mirrors, e.g. of a flat planar mirror. Alternatively, the display portion may span between more than one mirror. In other words, parts of the display portion may be provided by two or more mirrors.
With reference to Figure 4, in other arrangements one, more than one or each of the display elements 210 may be provided on the housing 202. For example, the display elements 210 may be mounted on or integrally formed into a front face 202a of the housing 202. In other words, the display portion 208 may comprise a portion of the housing 202. As depicted in Figure 4, the display elements 210 may be arranged to substantially surround the mirror 204.
In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the interior rear view mirror 140 and both of the wing mirrors 150 comprises the rear view mirror assembly 200. However, in other arrangements, any combination of the interior rear view mirror 140 and the wing mirrors 150 may comprise the rear view mirror assembly 200, and the other rear view mirrors may be conventional rear view mirrors, e.g. not provided with display elements.
The vehicle 2 may comprise a control interface, such as a switch, which the driver or an occupant of the vehicle can operate in order to select whether the display elements 210 of the rear view mirror assemblies 200 should be illuminated by the controller 130 based on the obstacle information. When the vehicle 2 comprises more than one of the rear view mirror assemblies 200, the control interface may allow the driver or occupant to select which of the rear view mirror assemblies 200 should have their display elements 210 illuminated.
With reference to Figure 5, an obstacle detection system 500, according to another arrangement of the disclosure, may comprise one or more driver sensors 510, such as cameras. The driver sensors 510 may be configured to determine a direction in which the driver is looking, e.g. the driver’s a line of sight. The controller 130 may be configured to determine whether the driver is looking at any of the rear view mirror assemblies 200 based on the information from the driver sensors, and may illuminate the display elements 210 of the rear view mirror assembly 200 when the driver is looking at the rear view mirror assembly 200.
In the arrangements described above, the display elements 210 are provided on a rear view mirror that is mounted on the vehicle 2 to provide the driver with a rearward view. However, the display elements 210 could equally be provided in a display portion of any other mirror that the driver may look at when manoeuvring the vehicle 2.
Although in the arrangements shown in Figures 1 to 5, the positions of the proximity sensors 110 around the vehicle 2 do not exactly correspond to the positions of the display elements 210 around the display portion 208, e.g. with each proximity sensor corresponding to one of the display elements, in other arrangements, the proximity sensors and display elements may be configured such that the positions of the proximity sensors 110 around the vehicle exactly correspond to the positions of the display elements 210 around the display portion 208.
The object detection system described herein may be particularly beneficial when provided on a van, truck or lorry, or any other vehicle in which the driver has reduced visibility, e.g. compared to in a car. When manoeuvring in a van, for example, the reduced visibility afforded to the driver may result in the driver relying more on both the rear view mirrors and object avoidance system to steer the vehicle and avoid obstacles. Furthermore, when the driver turns their head, e.g. to look into a rear view mirror, blind spots may be created, and the driver may rely on the obstacle detection system to identify and respond to obstacles within the blind spots.
The following additional, numbered statements of invention are also included within the specification and form part of the present disclosure:
Statement 1. An obstacle detection system for a vehicle, the system comprising:
a plurality of proximity sensors arranged at a plurality of positions around the vehicle;
a rear view mirror assembly comprising a display portion, wherein the display portion comprises a plurality of lightable display elements, wherein the lightable display elements are arranged at positions around the display portion that correspond to the positions of the proximity sensors around the vehicle; and a controller configured to receive signals from the proximity sensors and control the illumination of the lightable display elements according to the signal received from the proximity sensor or sensors at the position around the vehicle corresponding to the position of the lightable display element on the display portion.
Statement 2. The obstacle detection system of statement 1, wherein the lightable display elements are arranged around the periphery of the display portion.
Statement 3. The obstacle detection system of statement 1 or 2, wherein the proximity sensors are arranged to detect obstacles within one or more areas extending through an angle of approximately 360 degrees around the vehicle.
Statement 4. The obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the size and/or shape of the display portion is approximately equal to the size and/or shape of a reflective surface of the mirror.
Statement 5. The obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the rear view mirror assembly comprises a housing and a mirror mounted in the housing, wherein the display portion comprises a portion of the mirror.
Statement 6. The obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the rear view mirror assembly comprises a housing and a mirror mounted in the housing, wherein the display portion comprises a portion of the housing.
Statement 7. The obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the lightable display elements are provided on an outer surface of the mirror in the display portion.
Statement 8. The obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the lightable display elements are substantially transparent when unilluminated.
Statement 9. The obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the rear view mirror is an exterior mirror of the vehicle.
Statement 10. The obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the obstacle detection system further comprises one or more sensors configured to determine whether the driver is looking at the rear view mirror, wherein the controller is configured to control the illumination of the lightable display elements of the rear view mirror when the driver is looking at the rear view mirror.
Statement 11. The obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the system comprises one or more further rear view mirrors comprising a further mirror having a further display portion, wherein the further display portion comprises a plurality of lightable display elements, wherein the lightable display elements are arranged at positions around the further display portion that correspond to the positions of the proximity sensors around the vehicle, and wherein the controller is configured to control the illumination of each of the lightable display elements of the further rear view mirrors according to the signal received from the proximity sensor at the position around the vehicle corresponding to the position of the lightable display element on the display portion.
Statements. The obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements, wherein the obstacle detection system further comprises an interior display provided on an interior trim portion of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to control an image displayed on the interior display to indicate the positions of obstacles detected by the proximity sensors around the vehicle.
Statement 13. A motor vehicle comprising the obstacle detection system of any of the preceding statements.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been 15 described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. An obstacle detection system for a vehicle, the system comprising:
a plurality of proximity sensors arranged at a plurality of positions around the vehicle;
a rear view mirror assembly comprising a display portion, wherein the display portion comprises a plurality of lightable display elements, wherein the lightable display elements are arranged at positions around the display portion that correspond to the positions of the proximity sensors around the vehicle; and a controller configured to receive signals from the proximity sensors and control the illumination of the lightable display elements according to the signal received from the proximity sensor or sensors at the position around the vehicle corresponding to the position of the lightable display element on the display portion.
2. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the lightable display elements are arranged around the periphery of the display portion.
3. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensors are arranged to detect obstacles within one or more areas extending through an angle of approximately 360 degrees around the vehicle.
4. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the size and/or shape of the display portion is approximately equal to the size and/or shape of a reflective surface of the mirror.
5. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the rear view mirror assembly comprises a housing and a mirror mounted in the housing, wherein the display portion comprises a portion of the mirror.
6. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the rear view mirror assembly comprises a housing and a mirror mounted in the housing, wherein the display portion comprises a portion of the housing.
7. The obstacle detection system of claim 6, wherein the lightable display elements are provided on an outer surface of the mirror in the display portion.
8. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the lightable display elements are substantially transparent when unilluminated.
9. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the rear view mirror is an exterior mirror of the vehicle.
10. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the obstacle detection system further comprises one or more sensors configured to determine whether the driver is looking at the rear view mirror, wherein the controller is configured to control the illumination of the lightable display elements of the rear view mirror when the driver is looking at the rear view mirror.
11. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises one or more further rear view mirrors comprising a further mirror having a further display portion, wherein the further display portion comprises a plurality of lightable display elements, wherein the lightable display elements are arranged at positions around the further display portion that correspond to the positions of the proximity sensors around the vehicle, and wherein the controller is configured to control the illumination of each of the lightable display elements of the further rear view mirrors according to the signal received from the proximity sensor at the position around the vehicle corresponding to the position of the lightable display element on the display portion.
12. The obstacle detection system of claim 1, wherein the obstacle detection system further comprises an interior display provided on an interior trim portion of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to control an image displayed on the interior display to indicate the positions of obstacles detected by the proximity sensors around the vehicle.
13. A motor vehicle comprising the obstacle detection system of any of the preceding claims.
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